In 1995 -- 21 years after Funk, Inc.'s breakup -- organist and
Jimmy Smith disciple
Bobby Watley decided to assemble a new edition of his gritty soul-jazz quintet. Two original members -- conga player
Cecil Hunt and Watley himself -- were joined by saxman
Teddy Patterson, guitarist Doug Swanigan and drummer
Phil Brines. Watley unveiled his new
Funk with
Urban Renewal, a solid effort that, like such classics as Chicken Lickin' and Hangin' Out, effectively combines the immediacy of soul and funk with the spontaneity of jazz. Before its demise, the original
Funk had deteriorated quite a bit by smothering itself with overproduction; but that's not a problem here. From the earthy, down-home blues themes of "Sneaky" and "Get Some More" to a commanding interpretation of Herbie Mann's "Memphis Underground," Renewal makes it clear that accessibility and artistic integrity aren't mutually exclusive. ~ Alex Henderson